Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: Ganesh Visarjan & Ganesh Puja Rituals

Know when Ganesh Chaturthi in 2020 is occurring and find out the religious and social importance of this festival in detail. Find out Ganesh Chaturthi puja muhurat and delicious dishes prepared on this auspicious occasion. This day is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Ganesha. Devotees worship Lord Ganesha in order to fulfill their wishes. Lord Ganesha is also known as Vighnaharta. According to the Hindu Calendar, it is celebrated on the fourth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. It is celebrated widely across the nation, however the state of Maharashtra celebrate this festival in the most enthusiastic manner wherein the whole place gets surrounded with Ganesh Chaturthi wishes and songs.

Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi, Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the biggest festivals of Maharashtra and South India. Because of Lord Ganesha being hauled by different names, the day of Ganesh Chaturthi is also called by different names like Vinayagar Chaturthi, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Pillayar Chaturthi, Ganesh Utsav and Ganesh Chauth, Ganpati Utsav.

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Ganesh Chaturthi in 2020: Auspicious Muhurat

The grand celebrations of the festival of Ganesh Utsav lasts for up to 10 days. This grand festival of Vinayaka Chaturthi, in the honor of Lord Ganpati, ends on Anant Chaturdashi or on Ganesh Visarjan day. The Ganesh Chaturthi 2020 celebrations will end on 1st September 2020.

Lord Ganesha is the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. He is the lord of prosperity, wisdom, and good fortune. He is also called “Vighnaharta” (remover of all troubles) and thus, people worship him before starting any auspicious work or any new venture. Through this article on Ganesha Chaturthi in 2020, let’s read more about Lord Ganpati and the rituals and customs of Vinayaka Chaturthi. Also, follow the Ganesh Chaturthi 2020 Muhurat to perform the puja.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: Legends Of Ganesh Chaturthi

Before discussing about Vinayagar Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi, let’s first know more about the legends associated with this festival of Vinayaka Chaturthi.

Lord Ganpati was created by Mata Parvati, by forming an idol of a child from sandalwood paste and respiring life into it. During that time, Lord Shiva was not at home. As Maa Parvati was going to take a bath, she gave instructions to Lord Ganpati not to let anybody come in. When Lord Shiva came back, Lord Ganesha didn't let him in, as he was following the order of her mother, Maa Parvati. Also, Lord Ganpati was not aware of the fact that Lord Shiva was his father.

After some time, all the Gods came and attacked Lord Ganesha, but he defeated them all. After this, Lord Shiva thrashed down Lord Ganesha’s head in anger. Maa Parvati became very angry seeing this and demanded her child (Ganpati) to be brought back to life. By seeing Goddess Parvati in anger, Lord Shiva promised her that he will restore their child’s life. All Gods started searching for a head. Their search ended with an elephant’s head. Lord Shiva fixed that elephant’s head on his body and brought him back to life.

History Of Ganesh Chaturthi

Initially, Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated in Maharashtra and some parts of South India on a smaller scale. Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chaturthi) was popularized by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, during the late 19th century. He said that the festival is not only for Hindus, and therefore, should be celebrated by the people of all religions. He did that to build the feelings of togetherness, unity, and patriotism among Indians. British government did not allow the Indians to organize social gatherings and meetings at that time. Still, he (Bal Gangadhar Tilak) encouraged people to come together and show Britishers the power of togetherness. He organized music & dance shows, and programs, which helped in the revival of patriotic feelings. From then on, the festival of Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated all around the country with full zeal and enthusiasm. The feelings of togetherness and unity will once again revive with the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in 2020 by saying the Ganesh Chaturthi wishes to your loved ones.

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Ganesh Chaturthi In 2020 & Celebrations

Though, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated across the nation on a large scale, but the real festivities are seen in Maharashtra. Let’s throw some light on the customs and traditions of Maharashtra, along with other regions of the country.

Celebrations In Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, a number of large and small statues are prepared by artists days before the festival of Vinayagar Chaturthi. Large sculptures are established in different Pandals, on the eve of Vinayaka Chaturthi. These Pandals are organized throughout the city in different localities during the time of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Lord Ganesha’s sculptures are taken by his devotees to their homes, for serving and worshiping the deity. People honor and serve Lord Ganesha for a period of 1, 3, 5, 7 or 11 days, depending on the beliefs of different communities. Laddus (Indian sweet delicacy made of sweet condiments), coconut, jaggery, Durva (grass), and red flowers are offered to the lord, as these things are considered to be his favorites. Temples are beautifully decorated and priests (Pandits) usually are clad in traditional wears to offer prayers to Lord Ganpati. To seek the blessings and glory of Lord Ganpati, devotees observe Ganesh Chaturthi Fast. To make the best of this festival, you can also conduct the rituals of this day and observe Ganesh Chaturthi Fast in 2020.

Last day of Ganesh Chaturthi in 2020 is known as Ganesh Visarjan. On this day, a procession is carried out throughout the city. The statues and idols of Lord Ganesha which are worshiped throughout Ganesh Utsav are taken to a holy water body such as a river, lake or sea, for immersion. This ritual is popularly known as Ganesh Visarjan. Know the Ganesh VIsarjan date mentioned above.

Many programs like dance shows, orchestra and theatre performances are also organized to double up the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi. People from different religions participate in the celebrations of Vinayaka Chaturthi with full energy and enthusiasm. Again, we will see these celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi in 2020. Worship Lord Ganesha this Vinayaka Chaturthi 2020 and celebrate the day with full devotion.

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Celebrations In South India

People worship the idol of Lord Ganpati made from clay and turmeric in their homes on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Celebrations Outside India

Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated outside India as well. The Hindu organizations in the countries like London, U.S.A, Canada, Philippines, U.K, Mauritius, Malaysia, and Singapore organize special programs to worship Lord Ganpati on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi. Indians residing abroad participate with full interest and excitement during the celebrations. If you are residing in any of these foreign countries, then you can also witness and enjoy Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in 2020.

Dishes Prepared On Ganesh Chaturthi in 2020

Now, let’s talk about some of the most famous dishes prepared on this auspicious occasion. People who bring home Lord Ganesha offer him his favorite dishes like Modak, Kheer (sweet rice porridge) and other sweet dishes and say Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes to each other. Some of the most famous dishes which you can prepare for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in 2020 are:

• Motichoor ke ladoo (Boondi Ladoo, favorite dish of Lord Ganesha)
• Steamed Modak
• Masala Bhaat (special Maharashtrian rice)
• Puran Poli (Paratha with sweet jaggery stuffing)
• Ghee rice (Pulao with extra purified butter)
• Fried Modaks
• Bisi Bele Bhat (Sambar rice with lots of spices and vegetables)
• Badam Ladoo
• Kesari Modak (Ladoo made with Kesar and sweet coconut filling)
• Atte ke Ladoo
• Sweet Kachori (Kachori with sweet coconut stuffing)
• Gujia (sweet dish with sweet stuffing)
• Sev Puri

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Environmental Impact Of Ganesh Chaturthi

Every year during the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, a large number of statues of Lord Ganesha are immersed in the water bodies. The immersion (Ganesh Visarjan) of Lord Ganesha statues is associated with the spiritual values of devotees, but it is not a favourable practice for our environment. Statues of Lord Ganpati are made from plaster of paris which are insoluble in water. Also, the paints that are used to beautify the statutes contain heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium. These are very harmful for our environment and cause water pollution.

At some places like Goa, Ganesha statues made from plaster of paris are banned by the government and people are encouraged to buy clay idols on Vinayaka Chaturthi. Various advertisements are also published or shown by the government every year to recommend the use of clay idols of Ganesh Chaturthi. People are also advised to immerse the idols of Lord Ganpati in water tanks or water tubs rather than natural water bodies.

Let’s come together this Ganesh Chaturthi 2020 and take pledge to use only clay idols for Ganesh Visarjan. Perform Ganpati Puja this 2020 with full devotion and say your Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes to get the blessings of Lord Ganesha.